Mt Difficulty Ascent & Rustic Run

About the Event

Conquer a true high-altitude adventure at the Mt Difficulty Ascent on Saturday, June 13th, 2026. This formidable mountain run challenges you across two epic distances—a 44km or 25km journey through the rugged, exposed terrain of Bannockburn and the Kawarau Gorge. Designed for experienced trail runners, this is an "adventure run" where strategic hiking is as crucial as running speed, demanding full mandatory gear for alpine conditions. The reward is an unparalleled sense of achievement and breathtaking vistas across Central Otago's dramatic landscapes. Test your limits on a course that truly earns its name, finishing with a well-deserved celebration at the iconic Mt Difficulty Winery. Your ultimate mountain test awaits.

Races Offered

25 km

Jun 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 25K

terrain

Type — —

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08:00

44 km

Jun 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 44K

terrain

Type — —

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08:00

Marathon

Jun 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 42.2K

terrain

Type — —

timer

08:15

Half Marathon

Jun 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21K

terrain

Type — —

timer

10:00

Half Marathon Team

Jun 13, 2026

straighten

Distance — 21.1K

terrain

Type — —

timer

10:00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Cromwell.

thermostat Temperature

3.2° / 8.8°

wb_sunny Feels like

0.5° / 6.5°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

6h 1m

water_drop Avg rainfall

2.1 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

0.1 cm

air Avg wind speed

4.7 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

Low

terrain Course conditions

Firm and slightly soft

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.6)

humidity_mid Humidity

83.3%

wb_twilight Sunrise

08:18

nightlight Sunset

17:07

About Cromwell

Learn more about the host city, Cromwell.

Cromwell, originally known as "The Junction", is a town in central Otago, New Zealand. It sits right at the confluence of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers, on the South Island. The settlement expanded rapidly after 1862, when news went out that gold was discovered nearby. It's surrounded by rather picturesque landscapes, in which both rivers have cut beautiful gorges. It's also knowns for it's vineyards.